Tell me about PICCs

[wanderlost]

If you know me, you know that I am very much procrastinating a probably much overdue bout of IVs. I'm an IV virgin - never been poked - lol. Anyway, I am going to call and make a clinic visit and depending on my PFTS and sputum culture, I might suggest a run of home IVs. I actually think it's a better idea than another round of orals since I am still breastfeeding my baby (toddler now!).

so. how do they place a PICC? How do you have to care for it? What if it messes up (how would it?) Anything else I need to know?

As far as IVs - am I house ridden while on them? Can the PICC be hidden? Can you plan infusion times, such as, I need to be somewhere every Saturday around 10-12 and I have class Wed nights from 7-930, so will I be able to work with these schedules?

Finally, what IV drugs are good for PA? My last culture shows I am only resistant to Tobraymaicin, but I don't have that here to look at what all I showed susceptibilities to - and I need to research.

 

[wanderlost]

If you know me, you know that I am very much procrastinating a probably much overdue bout of IVs. I'm an IV virgin - never been poked - lol. Anyway, I am going to call and make a clinic visit and depending on my PFTS and sputum culture, I might suggest a run of home IVs. I actually think it's a better idea than another round of orals since I am still breastfeeding my baby (toddler now!).

so. how do they place a PICC? How do you have to care for it? What if it messes up (how would it?) Anything else I need to know?

As far as IVs - am I house ridden while on them? Can the PICC be hidden? Can you plan infusion times, such as, I need to be somewhere every Saturday around 10-12 and I have class Wed nights from 7-930, so will I be able to work with these schedules?

Finally, what IV drugs are good for PA? My last culture shows I am only resistant to Tobraymaicin, but I don't have that here to look at what all I showed susceptibilities to - and I need to research.

 

[wanderlost]

If you know me, you know that I am very much procrastinating a probably much overdue bout of IVs. I'm an IV virgin - never been poked - lol. Anyway, I am going to call and make a clinic visit and depending on my PFTS and sputum culture, I might suggest a run of home IVs. I actually think it's a better idea than another round of orals since I am still breastfeeding my baby (toddler now!).

so. how do they place a PICC? How do you have to care for it? What if it messes up (how would it?) Anything else I need to know?

As far as IVs - am I house ridden while on them? Can the PICC be hidden? Can you plan infusion times, such as, I need to be somewhere every Saturday around 10-12 and I have class Wed nights from 7-930, so will I be able to work with these schedules?

Finally, what IV drugs are good for PA? My last culture shows I am only resistant to Tobraymaicin, but I don't have that here to look at what all I showed susceptibilities to - and I need to research.

 

[wanderlost]

If you know me, you know that I am very much procrastinating a probably much overdue bout of IVs. I'm an IV virgin - never been poked - lol. Anyway, I am going to call and make a clinic visit and depending on my PFTS and sputum culture, I might suggest a run of home IVs. I actually think it's a better idea than another round of orals since I am still breastfeeding my baby (toddler now!).

so. how do they place a PICC? How do you have to care for it? What if it messes up (how would it?) Anything else I need to know?

As far as IVs - am I house ridden while on them? Can the PICC be hidden? Can you plan infusion times, such as, I need to be somewhere every Saturday around 10-12 and I have class Wed nights from 7-930, so will I be able to work with these schedules?

Finally, what IV drugs are good for PA? My last culture shows I am only resistant to Tobraymaicin, but I don't have that here to look at what all I showed susceptibilities to - and I need to research.

 

[wanderlost]

If you know me, you know that I am very much procrastinating a probably much overdue bout of IVs. I'm an IV virgin - never been poked - lol. Anyway, I am going to call and make a clinic visit and depending on my PFTS and sputum culture, I might suggest a run of home IVs. I actually think it's a better idea than another round of orals since I am still breastfeeding my baby (toddler now!).

so. how do they place a PICC? How do you have to care for it? What if it messes up (how would it?) Anything else I need to know?

As far as IVs - am I house ridden while on them? Can the PICC be hidden? Can you plan infusion times, such as, I need to be somewhere every Saturday around 10-12 and I have class Wed nights from 7-930, so will I be able to work with these schedules?

Finally, what IV drugs are good for PA? My last culture shows I am only resistant to Tobraymaicin, but I don't have that here to look at what all I showed susceptibilities to - and I need to research.

 

[folione]

The picc is pretty inconspicuous as long as you can wear long sleeves and pretty low maintenance: it gets flushed and heparin-locked after each round of IVs and the dressing gets changed weekly. The dressing is basically a tegaderm covering the entry point and the device that holds the line in place so it's not a big deal. The line is held in place usually with a stick-on device such as a StatLoc, which stays on for the duration unless it gets damaged/ugly.

For grownups, I believe picc placement is with just a local - it is done by a specially trained person and involves an xray device so they can watch/guide the tubing as it is threaded in (it goes in the upper arm and ends in the big vein near the heart).

Drug scheduling for home IV depends on the prescription: my son's have always been 2 drugs every 8 hours so we've done them at about 6-2-10; they can take from 30-60 minutes each depending on the amount and delivery device. Be sure to work that out with the Doc / Nurse right from the start so they don't get you on a bad schedule - but you can slide times up/down over the course of a few days to get them better scheduled. Also, you can take the stuff with you and do it wherever you need to: we've given my son his meds in the car on the way to/from activities with no trouble.

Piccs can get clogged and it's pretty obvious when it happens because the flush syringe won't push at all - and forcing it is not good. The home-IV folks will tell you what to do about it if it happens.

 

[folione]

The picc is pretty inconspicuous as long as you can wear long sleeves and pretty low maintenance: it gets flushed and heparin-locked after each round of IVs and the dressing gets changed weekly. The dressing is basically a tegaderm covering the entry point and the device that holds the line in place so it's not a big deal. The line is held in place usually with a stick-on device such as a StatLoc, which stays on for the duration unless it gets damaged/ugly.

For grownups, I believe picc placement is with just a local - it is done by a specially trained person and involves an xray device so they can watch/guide the tubing as it is threaded in (it goes in the upper arm and ends in the big vein near the heart).

Drug scheduling for home IV depends on the prescription: my son's have always been 2 drugs every 8 hours so we've done them at about 6-2-10; they can take from 30-60 minutes each depending on the amount and delivery device. Be sure to work that out with the Doc / Nurse right from the start so they don't get you on a bad schedule - but you can slide times up/down over the course of a few days to get them better scheduled. Also, you can take the stuff with you and do it wherever you need to: we've given my son his meds in the car on the way to/from activities with no trouble.

Piccs can get clogged and it's pretty obvious when it happens because the flush syringe won't push at all - and forcing it is not good. The home-IV folks will tell you what to do about it if it happens.

 

[folione]

The picc is pretty inconspicuous as long as you can wear long sleeves and pretty low maintenance: it gets flushed and heparin-locked after each round of IVs and the dressing gets changed weekly. The dressing is basically a tegaderm covering the entry point and the device that holds the line in place so it's not a big deal. The line is held in place usually with a stick-on device such as a StatLoc, which stays on for the duration unless it gets damaged/ugly.

For grownups, I believe picc placement is with just a local - it is done by a specially trained person and involves an xray device so they can watch/guide the tubing as it is threaded in (it goes in the upper arm and ends in the big vein near the heart).

Drug scheduling for home IV depends on the prescription: my son's have always been 2 drugs every 8 hours so we've done them at about 6-2-10; they can take from 30-60 minutes each depending on the amount and delivery device. Be sure to work that out with the Doc / Nurse right from the start so they don't get you on a bad schedule - but you can slide times up/down over the course of a few days to get them better scheduled. Also, you can take the stuff with you and do it wherever you need to: we've given my son his meds in the car on the way to/from activities with no trouble.

Piccs can get clogged and it's pretty obvious when it happens because the flush syringe won't push at all - and forcing it is not good. The home-IV folks will tell you what to do about it if it happens.

 

[folione]

The picc is pretty inconspicuous as long as you can wear long sleeves and pretty low maintenance: it gets flushed and heparin-locked after each round of IVs and the dressing gets changed weekly. The dressing is basically a tegaderm covering the entry point and the device that holds the line in place so it's not a big deal. The line is held in place usually with a stick-on device such as a StatLoc, which stays on for the duration unless it gets damaged/ugly.

For grownups, I believe picc placement is with just a local - it is done by a specially trained person and involves an xray device so they can watch/guide the tubing as it is threaded in (it goes in the upper arm and ends in the big vein near the heart).

Drug scheduling for home IV depends on the prescription: my son's have always been 2 drugs every 8 hours so we've done them at about 6-2-10; they can take from 30-60 minutes each depending on the amount and delivery device. Be sure to work that out with the Doc / Nurse right from the start so they don't get you on a bad schedule - but you can slide times up/down over the course of a few days to get them better scheduled. Also, you can take the stuff with you and do it wherever you need to: we've given my son his meds in the car on the way to/from activities with no trouble.

Piccs can get clogged and it's pretty obvious when it happens because the flush syringe won't push at all - and forcing it is not good. The home-IV folks will tell you what to do about it if it happens.

 

[folione]

The picc is pretty inconspicuous as long as you can wear long sleeves and pretty low maintenance: it gets flushed and heparin-locked after each round of IVs and the dressing gets changed weekly. The dressing is basically a tegaderm covering the entry point and the device that holds the line in place so it's not a big deal. The line is held in place usually with a stick-on device such as a StatLoc, which stays on for the duration unless it gets damaged/ugly.

For grownups, I believe picc placement is with just a local - it is done by a specially trained person and involves an xray device so they can watch/guide the tubing as it is threaded in (it goes in the upper arm and ends in the big vein near the heart).

Drug scheduling for home IV depends on the prescription: my son's have always been 2 drugs every 8 hours so we've done them at about 6-2-10; they can take from 30-60 minutes each depending on the amount and delivery device. Be sure to work that out with the Doc / Nurse right from the start so they don't get you on a bad schedule - but you can slide times up/down over the course of a few days to get them better scheduled. Also, you can take the stuff with you and do it wherever you need to: we've given my son his meds in the car on the way to/from activities with no trouble.

Piccs can get clogged and it's pretty obvious when it happens because the flush syringe won't push at all - and forcing it is not good. The home-IV folks will tell you what to do about it if it happens.

 

[MCGrad2006]

I have had like 17 PICC's over the years and barely ever had a problem with them. Some people may be different, obv, but for the most part (esp if its your frist one) I think you will probably be ok. B/c I have had so many I have had problems with them getting placed in one arm, but I have had most of my PICC's with no problem in the other arm. Like FOLIONE said, they do an ultrasound to see which veins look nice and then they numb with Lidocaine. If you are really anxiety ridden about it, they may suggest a muscle relaxer...which I have never done. Then after they get it placed they do an Xray to make sure its in right (which again, it usually is).

Once you get home and get started, its very simple. I use a "Bard" pump (thats just the brand). The medicines for this method come in big needle like syringes and they hook into the pump and then the pump beeps (obnoxiously) when the med is done, but yes you can put it on silent if need be. Also like FOLIONE, I schedule my meds for 6 AM, 2 PM and 10 PM. Since I have MRSA, I also have another med that is everry 12 hours, so we do 8 and 8. And mine take just about as long. I have found that this method allows for the best sleep schedule and getting out and doing stuff schedule. There will be a clamp on your IV line near where it is taped up so you can close it when you are not hooked up and open it when you are. So when you hook up the meds, you unclamp it, wipe the opening with alcohol, flush with saline, wipe with alcohol then hook up. If you have another med after, same thing, unhook the first med, wipe with alcohol, flush with saline, then wipe and med.

As far as where it is placed, mine is in my upper arm (ABOVE my elbow). I have a lot of scar tissue near my elbow from previous lines, but its better way up anyway. I feel that it is more comfortable and I have a better range of movement. When they changed the dressing in the hosp, they put the tape partially over my elbow, so I couldnt bend it very well. When they changed it at home, I asked for the tape NOT to be on my elbow and its much more comfortable. I also have a stat lock, it clips to the PICC itself and then sticks to your arm. And over that is the tegaderm, holding all the junk in.

Good luck and if you have any more questions, please ask!!

 

[MCGrad2006]

I have had like 17 PICC's over the years and barely ever had a problem with them. Some people may be different, obv, but for the most part (esp if its your frist one) I think you will probably be ok. B/c I have had so many I have had problems with them getting placed in one arm, but I have had most of my PICC's with no problem in the other arm. Like FOLIONE said, they do an ultrasound to see which veins look nice and then they numb with Lidocaine. If you are really anxiety ridden about it, they may suggest a muscle relaxer...which I have never done. Then after they get it placed they do an Xray to make sure its in right (which again, it usually is).

Once you get home and get started, its very simple. I use a "Bard" pump (thats just the brand). The medicines for this method come in big needle like syringes and they hook into the pump and then the pump beeps (obnoxiously) when the med is done, but yes you can put it on silent if need be. Also like FOLIONE, I schedule my meds for 6 AM, 2 PM and 10 PM. Since I have MRSA, I also have another med that is everry 12 hours, so we do 8 and 8. And mine take just about as long. I have found that this method allows for the best sleep schedule and getting out and doing stuff schedule. There will be a clamp on your IV line near where it is taped up so you can close it when you are not hooked up and open it when you are. So when you hook up the meds, you unclamp it, wipe the opening with alcohol, flush with saline, wipe with alcohol then hook up. If you have another med after, same thing, unhook the first med, wipe with alcohol, flush with saline, then wipe and med.

As far as where it is placed, mine is in my upper arm (ABOVE my elbow). I have a lot of scar tissue near my elbow from previous lines, but its better way up anyway. I feel that it is more comfortable and I have a better range of movement. When they changed the dressing in the hosp, they put the tape partially over my elbow, so I couldnt bend it very well. When they changed it at home, I asked for the tape NOT to be on my elbow and its much more comfortable. I also have a stat lock, it clips to the PICC itself and then sticks to your arm. And over that is the tegaderm, holding all the junk in.

Good luck and if you have any more questions, please ask!!

 

[MCGrad2006]

I have had like 17 PICC's over the years and barely ever had a problem with them. Some people may be different, obv, but for the most part (esp if its your frist one) I think you will probably be ok. B/c I have had so many I have had problems with them getting placed in one arm, but I have had most of my PICC's with no problem in the other arm. Like FOLIONE said, they do an ultrasound to see which veins look nice and then they numb with Lidocaine. If you are really anxiety ridden about it, they may suggest a muscle relaxer...which I have never done. Then after they get it placed they do an Xray to make sure its in right (which again, it usually is).

Once you get home and get started, its very simple. I use a "Bard" pump (thats just the brand). The medicines for this method come in big needle like syringes and they hook into the pump and then the pump beeps (obnoxiously) when the med is done, but yes you can put it on silent if need be. Also like FOLIONE, I schedule my meds for 6 AM, 2 PM and 10 PM. Since I have MRSA, I also have another med that is everry 12 hours, so we do 8 and 8. And mine take just about as long. I have found that this method allows for the best sleep schedule and getting out and doing stuff schedule. There will be a clamp on your IV line near where it is taped up so you can close it when you are not hooked up and open it when you are. So when you hook up the meds, you unclamp it, wipe the opening with alcohol, flush with saline, wipe with alcohol then hook up. If you have another med after, same thing, unhook the first med, wipe with alcohol, flush with saline, then wipe and med.

As far as where it is placed, mine is in my upper arm (ABOVE my elbow). I have a lot of scar tissue near my elbow from previous lines, but its better way up anyway. I feel that it is more comfortable and I have a better range of movement. When they changed the dressing in the hosp, they put the tape partially over my elbow, so I couldnt bend it very well. When they changed it at home, I asked for the tape NOT to be on my elbow and its much more comfortable. I also have a stat lock, it clips to the PICC itself and then sticks to your arm. And over that is the tegaderm, holding all the junk in.

Good luck and if you have any more questions, please ask!!

 

[MCGrad2006]

I have had like 17 PICC's over the years and barely ever had a problem with them. Some people may be different, obv, but for the most part (esp if its your frist one) I think you will probably be ok. B/c I have had so many I have had problems with them getting placed in one arm, but I have had most of my PICC's with no problem in the other arm. Like FOLIONE said, they do an ultrasound to see which veins look nice and then they numb with Lidocaine. If you are really anxiety ridden about it, they may suggest a muscle relaxer...which I have never done. Then after they get it placed they do an Xray to make sure its in right (which again, it usually is).

Once you get home and get started, its very simple. I use a "Bard" pump (thats just the brand). The medicines for this method come in big needle like syringes and they hook into the pump and then the pump beeps (obnoxiously) when the med is done, but yes you can put it on silent if need be. Also like FOLIONE, I schedule my meds for 6 AM, 2 PM and 10 PM. Since I have MRSA, I also have another med that is everry 12 hours, so we do 8 and 8. And mine take just about as long. I have found that this method allows for the best sleep schedule and getting out and doing stuff schedule. There will be a clamp on your IV line near where it is taped up so you can close it when you are not hooked up and open it when you are. So when you hook up the meds, you unclamp it, wipe the opening with alcohol, flush with saline, wipe with alcohol then hook up. If you have another med after, same thing, unhook the first med, wipe with alcohol, flush with saline, then wipe and med.

As far as where it is placed, mine is in my upper arm (ABOVE my elbow). I have a lot of scar tissue near my elbow from previous lines, but its better way up anyway. I feel that it is more comfortable and I have a better range of movement. When they changed the dressing in the hosp, they put the tape partially over my elbow, so I couldnt bend it very well. When they changed it at home, I asked for the tape NOT to be on my elbow and its much more comfortable. I also have a stat lock, it clips to the PICC itself and then sticks to your arm. And over that is the tegaderm, holding all the junk in.

Good luck and if you have any more questions, please ask!!

 

[MCGrad2006]

I have had like 17 PICC's over the years and barely ever had a problem with them. Some people may be different, obv, but for the most part (esp if its your frist one) I think you will probably be ok. B/c I have had so many I have had problems with them getting placed in one arm, but I have had most of my PICC's with no problem in the other arm. Like FOLIONE said, they do an ultrasound to see which veins look nice and then they numb with Lidocaine. If you are really anxiety ridden about it, they may suggest a muscle relaxer...which I have never done. Then after they get it placed they do an Xray to make sure its in right (which again, it usually is).

Once you get home and get started, its very simple. I use a "Bard" pump (thats just the brand). The medicines for this method come in big needle like syringes and they hook into the pump and then the pump beeps (obnoxiously) when the med is done, but yes you can put it on silent if need be. Also like FOLIONE, I schedule my meds for 6 AM, 2 PM and 10 PM. Since I have MRSA, I also have another med that is everry 12 hours, so we do 8 and 8. And mine take just about as long. I have found that this method allows for the best sleep schedule and getting out and doing stuff schedule. There will be a clamp on your IV line near where it is taped up so you can close it when you are not hooked up and open it when you are. So when you hook up the meds, you unclamp it, wipe the opening with alcohol, flush with saline, wipe with alcohol then hook up. If you have another med after, same thing, unhook the first med, wipe with alcohol, flush with saline, then wipe and med.

As far as where it is placed, mine is in my upper arm (ABOVE my elbow). I have a lot of scar tissue near my elbow from previous lines, but its better way up anyway. I feel that it is more comfortable and I have a better range of movement. When they changed the dressing in the hosp, they put the tape partially over my elbow, so I couldnt bend it very well. When they changed it at home, I asked for the tape NOT to be on my elbow and its much more comfortable. I also have a stat lock, it clips to the PICC itself and then sticks to your arm. And over that is the tegaderm, holding all the junk in.

Good luck and if you have any more questions, please ask!!

 

[JazzysMom]

The biggest problem you will probably find is the extension they put on that allows easy hookup might be difficult to keep contained. At the hospital they give me this pieces of stretchy mesh things to put over the whole area & it allows me to tuck the tubing in when not hooked up.

I forgot to ask for them this year & tried everything recommended by the home health nurse. My socks would get stretched out from the tucking etc so I used Jazmine's sock. In the wintertime it isnt so bad, but warm weather, ya really dont want a sock on your arm. The mesh is good for that.

Another thing that varies & I learned to speak up is how they secure it. My first 2 piccs I had stitches placed to secure it (just to keep it from pulling out too much) & the stitches hurt like hell. So now I ask for this stick on clamp which works well for me. Some places just secure it well with tape etc, but with little ones I would think something more solid is best as a precaution.

For me the picc is NOW placed at IR (interventional radiology). It use to be done in my room by the IV team. They cover all the equipment etc & treat it like an OR to avoid problems. They use an ultrasound to find the "best" vein & use it to guide as they go thru the vein. The novacain shots are the worst for me. You might feel discomfort depending on where the vein goes, but just breath thru it.

Its not difficult to care for. Basically just periodic cleansing & replacement of the bandanging. It shouldnt get wet so bathing becomes an issue. Do you wish you wrap your arm up like a hero sandwhich or just wash your hair & spongebath the rest of ya LOL!

It can mess up, but its unusual. The main reason would be poor flushing. Saline & heparin flushes are used between doses to keep the line usable. House ridden depends on what method of infusion you use. I was stuck to the IV pole, but next time (which I thought would be THIS time, but no iv's) I would get the eclipse balls which allows more mobility etc.

Your meds should be as evenly spaced as possible. My first home IV I was paranoid about doing it exactly every 8 hours (my one med required dosing every 8 hours) and I wasnt sleeping. Now I sleep normally & if that means my doses infuse 6 hours apart so be it. This doesnt apply to Tobra tho. That is a 12 hour dose & because they do levels its important to try & keep that as close as possible.



Everyone has to change their routine with meds to fit their life.

Another thing that I found. As a Mom you should try to avoid lifting with that arm. I favored my arm terrible for my first picc line & that isnt good either. So now I do almost everything except pick up heavy things. Its good to keep movement & blood flow to avoid any discomfort when its time for it to come out.

I remember having Jazmine climb on the bed, stand up & they come into my arms instead of me picking her up.

You might be sore for a bit after placement, but anti inflammatories will ease that. If its a good placement you wont notice it. If its a funky placement (the vein happens to go over the should joint etc) then you will have discomfort or funky feeling.

I think I spoke enough <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif" border="0">

 

[JazzysMom]

The biggest problem you will probably find is the extension they put on that allows easy hookup might be difficult to keep contained. At the hospital they give me this pieces of stretchy mesh things to put over the whole area & it allows me to tuck the tubing in when not hooked up.

I forgot to ask for them this year & tried everything recommended by the home health nurse. My socks would get stretched out from the tucking etc so I used Jazmine's sock. In the wintertime it isnt so bad, but warm weather, ya really dont want a sock on your arm. The mesh is good for that.

Another thing that varies & I learned to speak up is how they secure it. My first 2 piccs I had stitches placed to secure it (just to keep it from pulling out too much) & the stitches hurt like hell. So now I ask for this stick on clamp which works well for me. Some places just secure it well with tape etc, but with little ones I would think something more solid is best as a precaution.

For me the picc is NOW placed at IR (interventional radiology). It use to be done in my room by the IV team. They cover all the equipment etc & treat it like an OR to avoid problems. They use an ultrasound to find the "best" vein & use it to guide as they go thru the vein. The novacain shots are the worst for me. You might feel discomfort depending on where the vein goes, but just breath thru it.

Its not difficult to care for. Basically just periodic cleansing & replacement of the bandanging. It shouldnt get wet so bathing becomes an issue. Do you wish you wrap your arm up like a hero sandwhich or just wash your hair & spongebath the rest of ya LOL!

It can mess up, but its unusual. The main reason would be poor flushing. Saline & heparin flushes are used between doses to keep the line usable. House ridden depends on what method of infusion you use. I was stuck to the IV pole, but next time (which I thought would be THIS time, but no iv's) I would get the eclipse balls which allows more mobility etc.

Your meds should be as evenly spaced as possible. My first home IV I was paranoid about doing it exactly every 8 hours (my one med required dosing every 8 hours) and I wasnt sleeping. Now I sleep normally & if that means my doses infuse 6 hours apart so be it. This doesnt apply to Tobra tho. That is a 12 hour dose & because they do levels its important to try & keep that as close as possible.



Everyone has to change their routine with meds to fit their life.

Another thing that I found. As a Mom you should try to avoid lifting with that arm. I favored my arm terrible for my first picc line & that isnt good either. So now I do almost everything except pick up heavy things. Its good to keep movement & blood flow to avoid any discomfort when its time for it to come out.

I remember having Jazmine climb on the bed, stand up & they come into my arms instead of me picking her up.

You might be sore for a bit after placement, but anti inflammatories will ease that. If its a good placement you wont notice it. If its a funky placement (the vein happens to go over the should joint etc) then you will have discomfort or funky feeling.

I think I spoke enough <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif" border="0">

 

[JazzysMom]

The biggest problem you will probably find is the extension they put on that allows easy hookup might be difficult to keep contained. At the hospital they give me this pieces of stretchy mesh things to put over the whole area & it allows me to tuck the tubing in when not hooked up.

I forgot to ask for them this year & tried everything recommended by the home health nurse. My socks would get stretched out from the tucking etc so I used Jazmine's sock. In the wintertime it isnt so bad, but warm weather, ya really dont want a sock on your arm. The mesh is good for that.

Another thing that varies & I learned to speak up is how they secure it. My first 2 piccs I had stitches placed to secure it (just to keep it from pulling out too much) & the stitches hurt like hell. So now I ask for this stick on clamp which works well for me. Some places just secure it well with tape etc, but with little ones I would think something more solid is best as a precaution.

For me the picc is NOW placed at IR (interventional radiology). It use to be done in my room by the IV team. They cover all the equipment etc & treat it like an OR to avoid problems. They use an ultrasound to find the "best" vein & use it to guide as they go thru the vein. The novacain shots are the worst for me. You might feel discomfort depending on where the vein goes, but just breath thru it.

Its not difficult to care for. Basically just periodic cleansing & replacement of the bandanging. It shouldnt get wet so bathing becomes an issue. Do you wish you wrap your arm up like a hero sandwhich or just wash your hair & spongebath the rest of ya LOL!

It can mess up, but its unusual. The main reason would be poor flushing. Saline & heparin flushes are used between doses to keep the line usable. House ridden depends on what method of infusion you use. I was stuck to the IV pole, but next time (which I thought would be THIS time, but no iv's) I would get the eclipse balls which allows more mobility etc.

Your meds should be as evenly spaced as possible. My first home IV I was paranoid about doing it exactly every 8 hours (my one med required dosing every 8 hours) and I wasnt sleeping. Now I sleep normally & if that means my doses infuse 6 hours apart so be it. This doesnt apply to Tobra tho. That is a 12 hour dose & because they do levels its important to try & keep that as close as possible.



Everyone has to change their routine with meds to fit their life.

Another thing that I found. As a Mom you should try to avoid lifting with that arm. I favored my arm terrible for my first picc line & that isnt good either. So now I do almost everything except pick up heavy things. Its good to keep movement & blood flow to avoid any discomfort when its time for it to come out.

I remember having Jazmine climb on the bed, stand up & they come into my arms instead of me picking her up.

You might be sore for a bit after placement, but anti inflammatories will ease that. If its a good placement you wont notice it. If its a funky placement (the vein happens to go over the should joint etc) then you will have discomfort or funky feeling.

I think I spoke enough <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif" border="0">

 

[JazzysMom]

The biggest problem you will probably find is the extension they put on that allows easy hookup might be difficult to keep contained. At the hospital they give me this pieces of stretchy mesh things to put over the whole area & it allows me to tuck the tubing in when not hooked up.

I forgot to ask for them this year & tried everything recommended by the home health nurse. My socks would get stretched out from the tucking etc so I used Jazmine's sock. In the wintertime it isnt so bad, but warm weather, ya really dont want a sock on your arm. The mesh is good for that.

Another thing that varies & I learned to speak up is how they secure it. My first 2 piccs I had stitches placed to secure it (just to keep it from pulling out too much) & the stitches hurt like hell. So now I ask for this stick on clamp which works well for me. Some places just secure it well with tape etc, but with little ones I would think something more solid is best as a precaution.

For me the picc is NOW placed at IR (interventional radiology). It use to be done in my room by the IV team. They cover all the equipment etc & treat it like an OR to avoid problems. They use an ultrasound to find the "best" vein & use it to guide as they go thru the vein. The novacain shots are the worst for me. You might feel discomfort depending on where the vein goes, but just breath thru it.

Its not difficult to care for. Basically just periodic cleansing & replacement of the bandanging. It shouldnt get wet so bathing becomes an issue. Do you wish you wrap your arm up like a hero sandwhich or just wash your hair & spongebath the rest of ya LOL!

It can mess up, but its unusual. The main reason would be poor flushing. Saline & heparin flushes are used between doses to keep the line usable. House ridden depends on what method of infusion you use. I was stuck to the IV pole, but next time (which I thought would be THIS time, but no iv's) I would get the eclipse balls which allows more mobility etc.

Your meds should be as evenly spaced as possible. My first home IV I was paranoid about doing it exactly every 8 hours (my one med required dosing every 8 hours) and I wasnt sleeping. Now I sleep normally & if that means my doses infuse 6 hours apart so be it. This doesnt apply to Tobra tho. That is a 12 hour dose & because they do levels its important to try & keep that as close as possible.



Everyone has to change their routine with meds to fit their life.

Another thing that I found. As a Mom you should try to avoid lifting with that arm. I favored my arm terrible for my first picc line & that isnt good either. So now I do almost everything except pick up heavy things. Its good to keep movement & blood flow to avoid any discomfort when its time for it to come out.

I remember having Jazmine climb on the bed, stand up & they come into my arms instead of me picking her up.

You might be sore for a bit after placement, but anti inflammatories will ease that. If its a good placement you wont notice it. If its a funky placement (the vein happens to go over the should joint etc) then you will have discomfort or funky feeling.

I think I spoke enough <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif" border="0">

 

[JazzysMom]

The biggest problem you will probably find is the extension they put on that allows easy hookup might be difficult to keep contained. At the hospital they give me this pieces of stretchy mesh things to put over the whole area & it allows me to tuck the tubing in when not hooked up.

I forgot to ask for them this year & tried everything recommended by the home health nurse. My socks would get stretched out from the tucking etc so I used Jazmine's sock. In the wintertime it isnt so bad, but warm weather, ya really dont want a sock on your arm. The mesh is good for that.

Another thing that varies & I learned to speak up is how they secure it. My first 2 piccs I had stitches placed to secure it (just to keep it from pulling out too much) & the stitches hurt like hell. So now I ask for this stick on clamp which works well for me. Some places just secure it well with tape etc, but with little ones I would think something more solid is best as a precaution.

For me the picc is NOW placed at IR (interventional radiology). It use to be done in my room by the IV team. They cover all the equipment etc & treat it like an OR to avoid problems. They use an ultrasound to find the "best" vein & use it to guide as they go thru the vein. The novacain shots are the worst for me. You might feel discomfort depending on where the vein goes, but just breath thru it.

Its not difficult to care for. Basically just periodic cleansing & replacement of the bandanging. It shouldnt get wet so bathing becomes an issue. Do you wish you wrap your arm up like a hero sandwhich or just wash your hair & spongebath the rest of ya LOL!

It can mess up, but its unusual. The main reason would be poor flushing. Saline & heparin flushes are used between doses to keep the line usable. House ridden depends on what method of infusion you use. I was stuck to the IV pole, but next time (which I thought would be THIS time, but no iv's) I would get the eclipse balls which allows more mobility etc.

Your meds should be as evenly spaced as possible. My first home IV I was paranoid about doing it exactly every 8 hours (my one med required dosing every 8 hours) and I wasnt sleeping. Now I sleep normally & if that means my doses infuse 6 hours apart so be it. This doesnt apply to Tobra tho. That is a 12 hour dose & because they do levels its important to try & keep that as close as possible.



Everyone has to change their routine with meds to fit their life.

Another thing that I found. As a Mom you should try to avoid lifting with that arm. I favored my arm terrible for my first picc line & that isnt good either. So now I do almost everything except pick up heavy things. Its good to keep movement & blood flow to avoid any discomfort when its time for it to come out.

I remember having Jazmine climb on the bed, stand up & they come into my arms instead of me picking her up.

You might be sore for a bit after placement, but anti inflammatories will ease that. If its a good placement you wont notice it. If its a funky placement (the vein happens to go over the should joint etc) then you will have discomfort or funky feeling.

I think I spoke enough <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif" border="0">